APPEA has welcomed new funding by the WA Government to deliver the learning materials needed to ensure training of operators for liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants is recognised industry-wide.
APPEA WA Director Claire Wilkinson said the funding, outlined in the State’s 2020–21 Government Mid-year Financial Projections Statement, will ensure operators are taught in a consistent manner across training providers.
“With the bulk of Australia’s LNG plants and production located in Western Australia, it’s great to see the WA Government back our industry by supporting the training of local workers in these critical skillsets,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“Developing the learning materials will enable the LNG Operator Skills Framework to be provided to students, solving the problem of increasing costs for companies and frustration for workers who currently have to undergo new training each time they start at a new LNG facility.”
Ms Wilkinson said the industry had also clearly heard the WA Government’s message about reducing the reliance on the interstate FIFO workforce, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over recent months, many companies have worked hard to relocate interstate workers and their families, on both a permanent and temporary basis, to reduce the number of people movements into WA,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“The WA oil and gas industry is committed to employing as many WA-based workers as possible to fulfil the needs and requirements of our industry. We encourage people living in WA to consider a career in the industry and complete the necessary training.
“Natural gas is integral to the WA economy, jobs, and our standard of living. It reliably supplies over 50% of energy consumed in WA including to homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and other critical industries such as mining and minerals processing.”
